Can Burn Victims Recover For Disfigurement in Missouri Workers' Compensation?
A Missouri worker was recently injured at work after a series of explosions inside his St. Charles workplace. The explosions created a significant fire that took several hours to put out. Fire officials report the SantoLubes worker suffered burns to over 30 percent of his body. The explosions happened at the an industrial site at 8 Governor Place just south of Highway 370 at the intersection of Elm Point Road and Governor Drive in St. Charles, Missouri.
When a Missouri worker is injured at work they typically recover medical treatment, lost wages, and disability benefits. When a worker is burned or has permanent scarring they are entitled to recover disfigurement benefits. Disfigurement includes visible scars or deformities to the body due to a work-related injury. These deformities are usually on the head, neck, hands or arms. Disfigurement is also available for loss of an employee’s front teeth. Benefits for disfigurement are determined by a formula based on wages the 13 weeks prior to the work injury and are awardable in weeks not to exceed 40. When disfigurement benefits are involved in a claim an injured worker should consult with an experienced Missouri workers’ compensation attorney to ensure they receive all the benefits they are entitled to.
